A new architectural competition has been launched to reimagine Cardiff's Central Square, a controversial urban space that critics have described as an "urban desert" lacking greenery and visual appeal. The Royal Society of Architects in Wales (RSAW) is inviting its members to submit innovative design proposals as part of Design Week to transform the area into a world-class public space.
The competition comes after harsh criticism of the square's current state from Lyn Eynon, planning lead for Cardiff Civic Society, who delivered a scathing assessment of the area. "There is little greenery across the whole area on both sides of Wood Street, beyond a few scattered trees and some urban drainage planting," Eynon wrote. "[Cardiff] council prides itself on the awards it has gained, but bleakness dominates, with not even hanging baskets."
Eynon's criticism extended to the development behind Cardiff Central station, noting that "the heritage Brains chimney cowering beneath its overbearing neighbors, and no trees to be seen." She also expressed concern about proposed high-rise developments, stating, "Now a 50-story tower of glass and steel is threatened for the remaining plot between Wood Street and the Principality Stadium. Thirty-five stories have already been approved, but that wasn't enough, so the developer has come back for more."
The Cardiff Civic Society leader criticized what she sees as misguided urban planning priorities. "Mine's taller than yours. Our city's planning is stuck in outdated late-20th century Manhattan envy in pursuit of developer profit. Why not do something different?" she questioned, calling for more imaginative approaches to city development.
Tom Webb, a regional engagement partner for RSAW, expressed enthusiasm about the competition's potential impact. "We hope to have many entries as the site is of real interest to our members, and we are also keen to see the competition capture the imagination of both the Welsh press and public," Webb told reporters.
The competition brief describes Central Square as "the beating heart of Cardiff, a key arrival point for visitors and a vibrant urban space for the city's residents, as the city continues to grow and modernize." Organizers are seeking "innovative, sustainable, and inclusive design ideas to evolve Central Square into a world-class public realm that reflects the spirit of Cardiff and enhances the everyday experience for all who use it."
Participants must address several key requirements in their proposals. Designs should enhance the public realm as a welcoming and inclusive space, integrate with existing infrastructure including Cardiff Central Station and BBC Cymru Wales headquarters, and improve pedestrian and cyclist connectivity. Additionally, proposals must celebrate Cardiff's heritage, culture, and future ambitions while promoting sustainability, biodiversity, and climate resilience.
The competition brief emphasizes the need for flexibility in design, requiring spaces that can accommodate events, gatherings, and everyday activities. A crucial consideration is the need to maintain crowd control operations during large-scale events at the neighboring Principality Stadium, which regularly hosts major sporting events and concerts that draw thousands of visitors.
Central Square's strategic location directly in front of Cardiff Central Station makes it a major gateway to the city, experiencing high foot traffic during commuting hours, sporting events, and festivals. The area is surrounded by significant landmarks including the Principality Stadium, St. Mary Street, and the city center retail core, creating both opportunities and challenges for designers.
The conceptual design competition focuses primarily on Central Square but allows participants to propose connections to adjacent areas such as Wood Street, Westgate Street, and the River Taff. This flexibility enables architects to consider broader urban planning implications and create more comprehensive solutions for the area's development.
Eligibility for the competition is restricted to Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and RSAW members, including students, as well as chartered architectural practices. Submissions must include an A1 design board featuring the concept, key diagrams, and visualizations that clearly communicate the proposed vision.
Judging will be based on several criteria including the quality and originality of the design vision, responsiveness to the site and context, and innovation in public realm design. Environmental and social sustainability considerations will also play a significant role in evaluation, along with the clarity and effectiveness of proposal communication.
The submission deadline is set for October 1, 2025, with entrants required to deliver their A1 boards to the RSAW office for judging preparation. All competition entries will be displayed publicly, and the winning design will be announced during RSAW's final Design Week event at The Parkgate Hotel in Cardiff on Friday evening, October 10. The results will also be shared through RSAW's social media channels, ensuring broad public exposure for the winning concept and contributing to ongoing discussions about Cardiff's urban development future.
